Soft Summer vs. Soft Autumn: How to Tell the Difference

Soft Summer and Soft Autumn are neighbors. Both are muted, gentle seasons that look best in blended, sophisticated colors rather than bright, saturated ones. That's exactly why they're so often confused.

What they share

Both seasons have soft chroma. Their best colors look slightly grayed or dusty, and very bright colors can overwhelm their features. Both tend to have low to medium contrast.

The key difference: undertone

• Soft Summer leans cool. Think dusty rose, soft plum, slate blue and sage. Silver and pewter often look lovely.
• Soft Autumn leans warm. Think camel, olive, terracotta and warm teal. Gold and bronze often shine.

A simple test at home

Hold a dusty rose and a soft terracotta near your face in natural daylight, without makeup. If the rose makes your skin look clearer and the terracotta looks muddy, you may lean Soft Summer. If the terracotta warms you up while the rose looks flat, you may lean Soft Autumn.

At-home tests are only a starting point. Lighting, hair color and what you're wearing can all change the result.

Get a clear answer

A professional draping compares both palettes directly against your face. Book an in-studio color analysis or a virtual analysis to find your season with confidence.